U.N. Council Threatens New 'Measures' against C. Africa Rebels

The U.N. Security Council on Monday condemned the killing of South African troops in the rebel takeover in Central African Republic and said it was ready to take "further measures."

The 15-nation council joined calls by U.N. leader Ban Ki-Moon for action to be taken against groups responsible for killings and human rights abuses in the huge African nation whose president fled on Sunday.

"The members of the Security Council strongly condemned the recent attacks and the seizure of power" by the Seleka rebel coalition, said a statement released after emergency talks.

The Council would "monitor closely the situation and, if required, to consider further steps," said the statement which made no explicit threat of sanctions.

Seleka overran Bangui on Sunday forcing President Francois Bozize to flee and killing at least 13 South African troops in the battle for the capital.

Diplomats said a proposal by France and other council members to threaten tougher action was rebuffed.

The council slammed the "violence and looting" which led to "the deaths of and injuries to soldiers from the South Africa training contingent deployed in the Central African Republic at the request of the government."

The council said the Seleka rebels had "jeopardized the precarious stability in the Central African Republic" and breached a January 11 peace accord.

It called for an end to violence against civilians, "including foreign communities."

Council members said those responsible for rights violations, rapes and the recruitment of child soldiers "must be held accountable" and reaffirmed a warning that the International Criminal Court could investigate.